The London Borough of Newham is planning to use data from street sensors to support two projects within its 15 Minute Neighbourhood programme.
It has agreed with VivaCity to use the company’s multi-modal traffic flow sensors for the Shared Spaces and Connected Neighbourhoods projects, producing datasets for analysis over an extended period.
Shared Spaces is a regeneration project that focuses on improving the public realm and creating positive experiences on local high streets. Connected Neighbourhoods is centred on developing a strategic active travel corridor along the busy Romford Road.
The sensors will provide data on factors including road usage and high street footfall.
Healthier and happier
Murray Woodburn, head of transport policies and programmes at Newham, said: “Monitoring and evaluation is a really important part of the 15 Minute Neighbourhood project in Newham. The core aim of our interventions is to create healthier and happier communities around our high streets, where people in Newham can access all the basic, day-to-day needs within a 15-minute walk or cycle from their home.”
He added: “Sensors will be used for ongoing intervention impact monitoring and we will create regular monitoring reports using the data. We're looking forward to sharing these results with stakeholders and local residents to demonstrate the benefits of Newham's levelling up investment and show how these interventions are improving the quality of life in Newham.”
The 15 Minute Neighbourhood – backed by money from the government’s levelling up fund – is aimed at creating an urban environment designed for humans rather than cars. This will involve a shift towards active travel and micro-mobility, with investment in cycling and walking infrastructure.
